Collins, Enos National Historic Person
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Collins, Enos
© Parks Canada
Address :
Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1974-05-18
Life Date:
1774 to 1871
Other Name(s):
-
Collins, Enos
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Privateer and entrepreneur, important role in development of Halifax
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: On wall of Halifax Waterfront Buildings NHSC Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
An ambitious seaman from Liverpool, N.S.,and sometime privateer, Enos Collins was reputed to be the richest man in British North America when he died. His fortune, amassed through shrewd investments in mercantile, financial and other entrepreneurial ventures, contributed to the physical, commercial and social development of Halifax. Wealth and its influence gained him a seat on the governor's council (1822-38) and the hand of the bishop's niece in 1825. A confirmed Tory, he nevertheless found himself allied with reformers to oppose Confederation.